Quicksilver has been travelling to Low Isles since 1979 and we have always known it is a special island. In June 2008, Low Isles and its historic old lighthouse were formally registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List, in recognition of their place in Australia's cultural and Indigenous heritage. This is a first for the Great Barrier Reef and is very significant as it is the first time one location has received a dual listing for both Indigenous history and Australian cultural heritage. Situated 15 kilometres northeast of Port Douglas Low Isles is a 4-acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The corals are very close to the island, which makes snorkelling an enjoyable experience. On the island, we erected permanent thatched umbrellas for our passengers' comfort. Your experience can be as educational as it is relaxing, many activities are available for your participation. The two small islands are separate with one common reef. The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited except for a large bird population. It is a vital habitat for many species. In 1770 Captain James Cook described Low Isles as a small low island and was officially called Low Isles in 1819. The Aboriginal people know these islands as Wungkun. It is an important Indigenous and cultural site for the KuKu Yalanji and Yiragandi people as the sea country for both groups overlaps at Low Isles. Weather data has been gathered from the island since 1887 and the historic lighthouse has been operating since 1878. In 1928 it was the base for the first scientific study of a coral reef anywhere in the world, examining the structure and ecology of the surrounding reef. Many current theories of coral reef ecology are based on the findings of this early expedition. Quicksilver commenced the first daily cruises to Low Isles in 1979 and in 2000, the Low Isles Heritage Walk was officially opened.
Only 1 hours sail from Port Douglas
Unspoilt coral cay with shady trees and a protected lagoon
Limited numbers, no crowds
Unrestricted access to island with snorkelling from the beach
Great for families or relaxing
Often see turtles underwater, excellent Island bird life
Enjoy the guided heritage walk of Low Isles
Morning and afternoon teas on board Tropical smorgasbord lunch Return Wavedancer cruise from Port Douglas Informative reef presentation by Marine Biologist Snorkelling equipment Qualified snorkelling safety officers on hand Glass bottom boat coral viewing Marine Biologist guided beach walk Guided snorkelling tours with Marine Biologist Lycra swimming suits
09:30: Boarding Complimentary morning tea or coffee on boarding. For your safety, hot drinks are not served once the vessel is underway. Passengers are required to be on board the vessel 15 minutes before 10:00 departure.
09:45: Wavedancer Introduction An informative Marine Biologist presentation is shown in the main cabin. Wavedancer introduction and wave dance aerial. 10:00: Departures Wavedancer departs Reef Marina for Low Isles.
10:30: Wavedancer deck briefing A snorkelling demonstration is conducted during the journey to Low Isles. Wavedancer deck briefing and wave dancer snorkellers low isles.
11:15: Arrival Wavedancer arrives at Low Isles and your activities commence. The coral viewer and shuttle vessels leave for the island and continue to run throughout the day. Your snorkelling equipment is available from the storage containers on the foredeck of Waverdancer. We recommend that you conduct all snorkelling from the island. The guided snorkelling tour operates from the island.
12:00: Lunch Lunch is served aboard Wavedancer. Enjoy your tropical buffet. The bar operates throughout the day. Lunch on board Wavedancer and teach tour.
13:30: Beach and heritage trail walk A guided beach and heritage trail walk is conducted by a Marine Biologist. This walk departs from the shuttle boarding area on the beach.
14:45: Wavedancer afternoon sailing The last shuttle leaves the island to return passengers to the vessel. Afternoon tea is served to depart Low isles for Port Douglas. Relax under the sails on your homeward journey.
16:30: Arrival Arrival at Reef Marina, Port Douglas.
Please check-in at the Quicksilver/Wavedancer reservations counter inside the Port Douglas Reef Marina.
Check-in begins from 9:15am for vessel boarding at 9:30am. Wavedancer departs the marina at 10am.
Our staff will issue you with your boarding pass and direct you to our vessel.
Conditions: Children from 0-3 years can travel for free while child rates are applicable from 4-14 years old. Presentation of a valid photo ID or the credit card used to book is required for verification purposes at check-in. If you have selected the pay on board option you must reconfirm your booking within 24 hours of travel by contacting our reservations team. If not, Quicksilver Connections reserves the right to cancel your booking. Optional extras paid on arrival: Return transfers from Port Douglas or Cairns accommodation.